RAD Garage

[Bob Heine]

Re: Rick's Audi Double

I noticed your two detailing carts and spray bottle racks and thought I would share my latest brain fart.

Not sure what disorder I have but organizing bottles is an apparent symptom. This is just an idea that I am about to execute. Among my many bad habits, I set plastic spray bottles on the car when I’m cleaning it. I found a solution in this Coburn holster that keeps the spray bottle handy on my belt. I bought one from Mills Fleet Farm for $3 and it turned to be pretty sturdy.

http://www.fleetfarm.com/search/?q=coburn+holster&searchSubmit.x=0&searchSubmit.y=0[/url

If one is good, more must be better. To turn these holsters into a storage rack, all I need is a 2-inch by 1/8-inch aluminum strap and more holsters. Home Depot and Lowe’s sell these for around $10. It fits perfectly through the holster belt loop, tight enough so it doesn’t slide.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt...m-Flat-Bar-with-1-8-in-Thick-801977/204273999

The back of my Harbor Freight Cart looks like a perfect place to hang 7 holsters. It’s 30 inches of pretty much wasted space. Of course I'll have to buy some more spray bottles and sprayers so they all match....

 

[55cadillacking]

Re: Rick's Audi Double

Bob, that cart of yours deserves a thread of its own! I love your idea for the holsters. Thanks for sharing it with me. I hope it helps curb your habit of leaving spray bottles on your car!

 

[dubber]

Re: Rick's Audi Double

Looks great man. Always good showing people that RaceDeck can be kept clean with just a little lovin'

 

[bleacht]

Re: Rick's Audi Double

All of the little details are pretty incredible. After I'm done renovating the laundry room, the garage is next and you've definitely inspired me. Subscribed.

 

[55cadillacking]

Re: Rick's Audi Double

Looks great man. Always good showing people that RaceDeck can be kept clean with just a little lovin'

A little lovin', indeed.

All of the little details are pretty incredible. After I'm done renovating the laundry room, the garage is next and you've definitely inspired me. Subscribed.

Thanks for noticing the little details, and taking the time to comment. I'm glad my garage has inspired you. Truth be told, I have a pretty ***-kicking laundry room, too!

 

[55cadillacking]

Re: Rick's Audi Double

With all the melting snow up here, my mat wash station has been seeing a lot of action. Since I have no control over how filthy my car is going to be on the outside, it has to be clean on the inside. At least, that's how I see it. The station sees daily use, and I thought I would take a minute to put a video together to demonstrate how I use it. If you have an extra 4 minutes, feel free to check it out:

Video: Winter Maintenance of WeatherTech Floor Mats in Rick's Audi Double Garage

IMG_0834 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr

 

[G20-Budo]

Re: Rick's Audi Double

Ok Rick, I have a few questions and a few comments (I'm sure you're shocked).

So you said "The station sees daily use.."? Wow, so you clean your floor mats every day?

Also, I noticed you only cleaned 3.. is that because the one floor mat behind the drivers seat doesn't get as much use?

Nice coveralls and vans.

I really like the step you put in the cleaning wall, so that the water doesn't run straight down, but comes out a bit and the use of the bucket is very smart. Prevents you from making a big mess. All-in-all very well setup.. it doesn't just look cool, but also very functional. Another quick question, did you buy the metal plate like that, or did you have someone bend it for you?

 

[55cadillacking]

Re: Rick's Audi Double

Fire away, Kyle! Yes, for the past two weeks, I have been cleaning the mats each day. It's due to the fact that I'm unable to maintain a car clean on the outside so I'm uber focused on keeping the interior clean. It's the only way I can stay sane. We have so much snow and it is all melting due to mild temps in our region so you can't drive two blocks without becoming caked with winter slop. It's a sad state of affairs for a guy like me.

You are right, the seat behind the driver is rarely used so I don't clean that mat.

I got the stainless steel through my HVAC guy. Cost me $100 but it was money well spent imho. Thanks for the questions and comments.

 

[ajohno]

Re: Rick's Audi Double

Once again top job Rick.

 

[55cadillacking]

Re: Rick's Audi Double

Once again top job Rick.

Thanks Aaron, just finished a little video of my "go to" detailing products. Looking forward to the end of this winter so I can start using them more.

Video: Some of the Detailing Products Found in Rick's Audi Double Garage

IMG_0903 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr

IMG_0902 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr

IMG_0900 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr

 

[vincentshumai]

Re: Rick's Audi Double

Just watched the video, never realized how much damn detailing supplies you have! I need to stock up... my A7's brake pads dust like crazy so I need to get a good wheel cleaner. I'm gonna try that griots garage one you use. I want to swap my pads out for ceramics once these are used up, the dust is ridiculous

 

[55cadillacking]

Re: Rick's Audi Double

Just watched the video, never realized how much damn detailing supplies you have! I need to stock up... my A7's brake pads dust like crazy so I need to get a good wheel cleaner. I'm gonna try that griots garage one you use. I want to swap my pads out for ceramics once these are used up, the dust is ridiculous

The stock pads on our old Q7 were horrific, but the factory pads on the SQ5 have been much better. I'll probably go with Hawk LTS pads when the OEM's are shot. I had them on the Q7 and there was virtually no dust.

 

[55cadillacking]

Re: Rick's Audi Double

In the process of extending my red stripe on my grey wall.

BEFORE:

IMG_0751 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr

DURING:

IMG_0917 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr

And, was able to give my car a much needed wash. Powerwashed it on the driveway, then used my Optimum No Rinse. Here's a couple of finish shots. Won't last long, but boy does it feel good.

IMG_0907 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr

IMG_0913 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr

 

[chenthu]

Re: Rick's Audi Double

thats one shiny SQ5!

 

[KristianS]

Re: Rick's Audi Double

Looking really really good. My wife and i were discussing her next car and i think we agreed on a CPO Q5 .

 

[55cadillacking]

Re: Rick's Audi Double

Thanks, gents. Even if it doesn't stay clean for long, it's nice to get the dirt of her to see that everything is still in nice shape.

 

[Hagasan7]

Re: Rick's Audi Double

Thanks, gents. Even if it doesn't stay clean for long, it's nice to get the dirt of her to see that everything is still in nice shape.

As always Rick great job and beautiful ride! Great videos too! Do you foresee any issues with the tabs on the RD tiles breaking with multiple removals for cleaning the floor underneath?

Btw we have a similar brush collection. All my neighbors tell me I spend more time cleaning the wheels on my vehicles then they spend washing their entire car. LOL

Thanks,
Gary

 

[55cadillacking]

Re: Rick's Audi Double

As always Rick great job and beautiful ride! Great videos too! Do you foresee any issues with the tabs on the RD tiles breaking with multiple removals for cleaning the floor underneath?

Btw we have a similar brush collection. All my neighbors tell me I spend more time cleaning the wheels on my vehicles then they spend washing their entire car. LOL

Thanks,
Gary

Hey Gary,
I have absolutely no concern with the tabs wearing out or breaking. They are as tight as Day 1. As for the brushes, I just can't get enough. I ordered a new boar's hair wheel brush the other day. There's something intoxicating about a nice brush getting all sudsy. Gotta have clean wheels!

 

[gtr cook]

Re: Rick's Audi Double

Rick,

Amazing garage and i love the fact you keep evolving the theme.

Do you ever worry about damp inside once you wash your car in there or do you have a suitable angle for water to run out and onto the drive way?

Most notably in the video of you washing the wheels inside.

 

[55cadillacking]

Re: Rick's Audi Double

Rick,

Amazing garage and i love the fact you keep evolving the theme.

Do you ever worry about damp inside once you wash your car in there or do you have a suitable angle for water to run out and onto the drive way?

Most notably in the video of you washing the wheels inside.

Thanks. I don't have any issues with moisture (That I know of). The pad is sloped to the front right corner so water has no problem channelling itself out the car door. The only place I see some evidence of too much moisture is at that particular corner of the garage. The garage door hardware does get rusty where it contacts the pad, but that's about it. I have to sand and paint it each Spring. It also helps that my city is so dry, especially in the winter.

The Free Flow tiles do a good job of corralling the soapy suds so I keep the shop-vac handy to **** them up before any of it goes streaming out the door and down the driveway.

 

[stealthmagic27]

Re: Rick's Audi Double

Garage is amazing Rick! I have a quick question, have you ever used Pinnacle Gel P21s wheel cleaner by any chance? I had an issue with the stuff this past summer, It ate the rubber on my tire stems! I usually do my usual routine spray on let it sit for about a min then clean and wash off. Just curious...

 

[55cadillacking]

Re: Rick's Audi Double

Yikes! That doesn't sound good. I have never used it. Their polishing soap is pretty good, though.

 

[stealthmagic27]

Re: Rick's Audi Double

Yeah tell me about it! I'm making an assumption on it but it is literally the only chemical i used at that point and it happened overnight. I've since switched products lol.

Any recommendations on a seal? I have been using Klasse for a long time and its amazing just a pain to remove! I've also tried chemical guys sealer but doesn't seem to last as long.

 

[Hagasan7]

Re: Rick's Audi Double

Hey Gary,
I have absolutely no concern with the tabs wearing out or breaking. They are as tight as Day 1. As for the brushes, I just can't get enough. I ordered a new boar's hair wheel brush the other day. There's something intoxicating about a nice brush getting all sudsy. Gotta have clean wheels!

Thanks Rick! I love my boar's hair brush. I also use the Speedmaster brushes in various sizes and have various lug nut brushes too. Recently I picked up some wheel woollies and like them so far.

 

[Hagasan7]

Re: Rick's Audi Double

Garage is amazing Rick! I have a quick question, have you ever used Pinnacle Gel P21s wheel cleaner by any chance? I had an issue with the stuff this past summer, It ate the rubber on my tire stems! I usually do my usual routine spray on let it sit for about a min then clean and wash off. Just curious...

I've used P21s many times and never had an issue. Any chance it reacted with a tire cleaner/degreaser, etc and caused it to damage the valve stems? Most recently I've been using Sonax. But, I rarely need to use any wheel cleaner as my wheels are regularly maintained. All it takes is a good spray with my Karcher, a little car shampoo and a little scrubbing with various brushes and they're good as new.

As far as a sealant I've been playing with Opticoat and CQuartz with good results. I also like Menzerna Power Lock. My newest one is Sonax Polymer Net Shield.

 

[gtr cook]

Re: Rick's Audi Double

Thanks. I don't have any issues with moisture (That I know of). The pad is sloped to the front right corner so water has no problem channelling itself out the car door. The only place I see some evidence of too much moisture is at that particular corner of the garage. The garage door hardware does get rusty where it contacts the pad, but that's about it. I have to sand and paint it each Spring. It also helps that my city is so dry, especially in the winter.

The Free Flow tiles do a good job of corralling the soapy suds so I keep the shop-vac handy to **** them up before any of it goes streaming out the door and down the driveway.

Thanks for the reply, you certainly seem to manage the cleaning regime well of both the Audi and floor. I am hoping to lay racedeck at some point in the future and your insight has been very handy.

 

[55cadillacking]

Re: Rick's Audi Double

Any recommendations on a seal? I have been using Klasse for a long time and its amazing just a pain to remove! I've also tried chemical guys sealer but doesn't seem to last as long.

I don't think I have enough experience with sealants to offer a recommendation, but I am going to be re-coating my car with GTechniq's EXO V2 at some point in the near future. The first time I did it, I wasn't overly pleased with my performance. When the car is wet you can see that my "knock down" method wasn't up to snuff. Streaks appeared only when it was wet. I'm going to be extra vigilant this time to make sure I buff off the excess. I will say that EXO V2 is durable and did a wonderful job of protecting my car for the past year.

Thanks Rick! I love my boar's hair brush. I also use the Speedmaster brushes in various sizes and have various lug nut brushes too. Recently I picked up some wheel woollies and like them so far.

I've been eyeing up a few wool woolies brushes, too. Just not sure I "need" them. But, when has that really stopped me? LOL

As far as a sealant I've been playing with Opticoat and CQuartz with good results. I also like Menzerna Power Lock. My newest one is Sonax Polymer Net Shield.

I've heard good things about all of them. I have a bottle of Opticoat (or is it seal?) and Powerlock, but I'm still leaning towards a reapplication of the GTechniq.

Thanks for the reply, you certainly seem to manage the cleaning regime well of both the Audi and floor. I am hoping to lay racedeck at some point in the future and your insight has been very handy.

It's not always easy, and I don't tend to post pictures when I'm losing the battle, but I appreciate your support! I really do love my RaceDeck.

Thanks for the conversation gentlemen. Great way to start off the day.

 

[stealthmagic27]

Re: Rick's Audi Double

I've used P21s many times and never had an issue. Any chance it reacted with a tire cleaner/degreaser, etc and caused it to damage the valve stems? Most recently I've been using Sonax. But, I rarely need to use any wheel cleaner as my wheels are regularly maintained. All it takes is a good spray with my Karcher, a little car shampoo and a little scrubbing with various brushes and they're good as new.

As far as a sealant I've been playing with Opticoat and CQuartz with good results. I also like Menzerna Power Lock. My newest one is Sonax Polymer Net Shield.

Possible its the rubber on the stems themselves unless it reacted with some tire shine Hmm a friend of mine uses Power Lock i may need to borrow some from him. thanks for sharing guys!

 

[iadubber]

Re: Rick's Audi Double

Incredible garage Rick!

 

[55cadillacking]

Re: Rick's Audi Double

Incredible garage Rick!

Thanks for taking an interest. What are the chances of you starting a thread for your 21x24? I love following the evolution of double garages.

 

[ajohno]

Re: Rick's Audi Double

Rick,
Just on your new facelift blog and it's great.
You have given me some great insight into detailing my cars and I thank you.
I use Mothers detailing products which are great for what I do.
Keep up the good detailing Rick.

 

[55cadillacking]

Re: Rick's Audi Double

I used to use Mothers Synwax and Showtime detail spray and loved them! Once I found access to other brands, there was no looking back, but nothing wrong with Mothers, at all. Detailing is a fun (somewhat expensive) hobby.

Thanks for noticing the design changes on my blog/site. I am happy with the way it looks and the mobile version is much better now.

Cheers!

 

[ajohno]

Re: Rick's Audi Double

I use the same Mothers product you just mentioned.
I found a distributor that sells Chemical Guys products.
Have you any tips on there products?

 

[55cadillacking]

Re: Rick's Audi Double

I use a few Chemical Guys products, but I will admit I find they carry too wide an array of products and it can get confusing trying to follow their lineup. I much prefer Griot's because they have one product for each need whereas Chemical Guys will often have several. As for quality, they are very good. I just wish their line was more cohesive and logically organized. If that makes sense. Just to give you an idea of what I'm talking about, I have three detail sprays by them. Not sure how I came to have three, but I do. I'd prefer if they just had one. You know what I'm saying?

 

[stealthmagic27]

Re: Rick's Audi Double

Rick, I know EXACTLY what you mean! I keep scratching my head every time I'm on their site...

 

[ajohno]

Re: Rick's Audi Double

Thanks Rick.
Unfortunately Groits are not in Australia.
I will just keep watching your tips from the garage.

 

[55cadillacking]

Re: Rick's Audi Double

I'm surprised they don't have an Australian distributor. I would give Chemical Guys a serious look if I were you. They are excellent products. Just takes a bit of time to figure things out. Some of their products do require dilution while others don't. If you can read, you'll have no problem. I can't wait to do some more detailing work. The winter mess is killing me! Thanks for tuning in.

 

[Rockuf8]

Re: Rick's Audi Double

Do Adams Polishes sell/ship world wide? I love their products.

 

[ajohno]

Re: Rick's Audi Double

I placed a small order with Chemical Guys in Australia just waiting to receive the products.
They have so many products which do the same thing which you said.

 

[Lyndon]

Re: Rick's Audi Double

Guys

I've looked on, and admired, for a long time on the thread, and others on here. I have medical reasons for not having my own thread (my garage has been done over with inspiration from here, but at a VERY slow pace due to recovering from major surgery - so it wasn't worth wasting peoples time on here).

HOWEVER (sorry for getting side tracked) - for people in Australia, you can't go past Australia's own product - Bowden's Own. The Bowden family own Australia's greatest (and enormously valuable) collection of historic Australian racing machinery (think Allan Moffat's Trans Am, Brock's 78 Bathurst winning A9X, Beechey's Monaro, Bartlett's Camaro etc, etc), and produce their own range of very, very good car products. Look up Bowden's Own. Or Facebook their site. And the product is Australian made, with profits staying in Australia. I use them on my cars, including the XJR.

Can't recommend them higher.

Lyndon